College of Communication > Academics > Digital Communication and Media Arts > Graduate Program > Digital Communication and Media Arts (MA)

Digital Communication and Media Arts (MA)

Innovate communication across digital platforms

With a graduate degree in Digital Communication and Media Arts (DCMA), you'll master the digital tools and communication strategies you need for innovative content creation. The DCMA is an interdisciplinary program offered in collaboration with the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, with concentrations in Digital Communication and Media Arts.

With this flexible program you'll build technical skills, examine the role of digital media and technology in society, and have the option to explore your area of interest in areas such as advertising, public relations, journalism, media and popular culture, design, and media production. Classes are offered on the Loop campus with evening and online options.

Students interested in the Digital Communication concentration should apply to the College of Communication. Students interested in the Media Art concentration should apply to the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media.

For international students: this program is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.

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A dynamic market for digital media professionals

With major production companies, media outlets, startups and nonprofits just steps from campus, you’ll find opportunities to work at organizations of any size, across every enterprise in Chicago. DCMA students have interned at places like DKC, Facets Multimedia and LX MGMT. You’ll use the same tools in the classroom that you will in the industry—our state-of-the-art facilities include a converged newsroom, two writing labs, a television studio, audio booths, an 82-seat film screening room and black box theater.

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. Priority deadlines for scholarships are as follows:

Fall quarter: June 1
Winter quarter: November 2
Spring quarter (Certificate in Digital Communication only): February 15

Admission Requirements

Submit the online application, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and résumé or curriculum vitae.

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Required Courses

You’ll take an introductory course, four core courses and nine electives. Complete your degree with a comprehensive exam, scholarly paper or master’s project.

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97%

of Digital Communication and Media Arts graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.

Study with faculty who are noted industry contributors

Assistant Professor Samantha Close, PhD, spends her time studying competitive video gaming on college campuses. She is collaborating with Arizona State University to learn how different campus cultures might impact how welcome student gamers feel and with DePaul students to understand the upsides and downsides of the passion that drives esports players and fans.

“If you have many interests in communication and media, this program allows you to dip your toe into all of the areas you’re interested in, giving you a base foundational knowledge across the board! I inherited a really valuable combination of theory and practice in communication, as well as the skills for working in production, design and post-production environments.”

Taylor (MA ’18, BA ’16)

Creative Resource Manager, Design – U.S., The Mill

Alumni Network

Alumni of the master’s in Digital Communication and Media Arts program have gone on to careers as visual specialists, social media managers, digital advertising designers and more. They work in government, nonprofits, theatre, digital media, and PR and entertainment. You’ll also be connected to a network of more than 8,500 College of Communication alumni.

Scholarships

The College of Communication offers a tuition award and scholarship opportunities. In addition, the DCMA program has a limited number of graduate assistantships that include a one-course tuition waiver. Learn more about the opportunities available to you.

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Contact Information

For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admission at (773) 325-4405 or gradcom@depaul.edu.

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We’ll send you information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.

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